Purkersdorf: Nature Park, History and Trails

Purkersdorf offers several different starting points for planning a trip: the nature park, with its geological and animal-related themes; architectural and city history; and hiking opportunities. Consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay. This will help you explore the local options with a clear focus, rather than treating them as a single excursion program.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The main entrance to Purkersdorf Nature Park at Kellerwiese is a few minutes from the REX50/S50 Purkersdorf-Zentrum railway station and right next to the Purkersdorf-Kellerwiese bus stop. This means two specific public transport connections are available for this entrance. Purkersdorf Sanatorium station is one of the four stations in the municipality and, as the last stop before Vienna, is located in the Lower Austrian Vienna Woods region. As this station connection may change, check current services before travelling.

Nature Park and Vienna Woods

Purkersdorf Nature Park covers topics ranging from landscapes and geology to animals and historical ways of life. The Dambach quarry is on the northeastern edge of Purkersdorf. As a former sandstone quarry, its visible outcrops reveal the Vienna Woods’ Flysch zone. If you are interested in the geological foundations of the area, this site offers a direct link between the former quarry and the region’s rock formations.

The Rudolfshöhe observation tower stands within the municipality of Purkersdorf. This timber-framed structure has a covered platform 26 metres above the ground. The nature park’s large animal enclosure is home to sheep and donkeys, and there are also three wildlife enclosures. The Vienna Woods House is described as the “First Austrian Self-Service Museum Window.” It offers a glimpse into the living quarters of Vienna Woods farmers and their way of life and work 100 years ago. These attractions focus on different things: views, animal watching and insights into historical everyday culture.

The “Blind Date” themed trail engages the senses with nature in every season. Its year-round appeal sets it apart from an activity tied to a particular season. If you want to experience nature with more than just your eyes, this theme offers a distinct starting point for your exploration.

City History and Distinctive Buildings

Purkersdorf Castle dates back to the early Babenberg period and was originally built as a moated castle with thick walls. At the castle entrance, a post bus from the second half of the 19th century is on display in a viewing garage. It operated on the Vienna–Purkersdorf–Sieghartskirchen route and had 14 seats in three fare classes. It is considered the only surviving vehicle of its type in Europe. The details about its route, seats and fare classes also make the vehicle an example of passenger transport at the time.

The Purkersdorf City Museum has been housed on the ground floor of Purkersdorf Castle since 1986 and documents the city’s history and development. It is not open continuously; visit enquiries should be made by email. Visits are possible by appointment. Take this requirement into account when planning, rather than assuming you can drop in at the museum.

Other historic buildings include the former Josef Hoffmann Sanatorium, a unique Art Nouveau building. Together with the castle and city museum, it forms a city-history focus that brings architectural history and the development of Purkersdorf into view side by side.

Hiking Trails and Activities

The first section of the Austrian Way of St James west of Vienna starts at the gate of St James’ Church and runs from Purkersdorf to Göttweig. The “Tut gut!” hiking trail starts at the Hochramalpe recreation inn. Since 2022, it has included three routes in Purkersdorf, with a total length of 29.3 kilometres. This gives you both a specific starting point and details on the number and total length of the routes when planning; the three routes should not be mistaken for a single trail.

Another activity is the Purkersdorf climbing park. Its facilities include challenging obstacles, zip lines, and rope and bridge structures. There are seven courses in total, with varying levels of difficulty and heights of 2 to 14 metres. Since 2022, the park has also offered two courses exclusively for young children and three courses consisting entirely of zip lines. The types of courses and heights listed give you specific points of comparison, without implying that they are generally suitable for every age or skill level.

A Local Stop at the Main Square

The Purkersdorf farmers’ and weekly market takes place in the main square. It adds another local stopping point to the nature, culture and hiking options. Discover more destinations: Klosterneuburg, Kritzendorf, Untertullnerbach, Mauerbach, Pressbaum, Tullnerbach-Lawies, Irenental, Gablitz.

Go to the main travel overview: Vienna-Umgebung.